CNA Aging Process 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A normal change of aging in the cardiovascular system is:
- Increased heart rate
- Decreased blood vessel elasticity (Correct answer)
- Lower blood pressure
- Stronger heart contractions
Correct answer: Decreased blood vessel elasticity
Blood vessels become less elastic with age, contributing to higher blood pressure.
As people age, arterial walls become thicker and less elastic (arteriosclerosis), the heart muscle may thicken, and cardiac output decreases. These changes often lead to higher blood pressure and slower recovery from physical exertion.
Question 2: Age-related changes in the musculoskeletal system include:
- Increased bone density
- Muscle atrophy and decreased bone density (Correct answer)
- Faster reflexes
- Increased joint flexibility
Correct answer: Muscle atrophy and decreased bone density
Aging causes muscle loss (sarcopenia) and bone density loss (osteoporosis).
After age 30, muscle mass decreases 3-8% per decade (sarcopenia), and bone density decreases (especially after menopause in women), increasing fracture risk. Weight-bearing exercise and adequate calcium/vitamin D intake help slow these changes.
Question 3: The most common sensory change in elderly residents is:
- Loss of taste
- Decreased hearing and vision (Correct answer)
- Loss of touch sensation
- Enhanced smell
Correct answer: Decreased hearing and vision
Hearing loss (presbycusis) and vision changes are the most common age-related sensory changes.
Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) affects high-frequency sounds first, making speech harder to understand. Vision changes include presbyopia (difficulty focusing close), reduced night vision, and increased sensitivity to glare.
Question 4: When communicating with an elderly resident who has hearing loss, the CNA should:
- Shout loudly
- Face the resident and speak clearly at a normal pace (Correct answer)
- Write everything down
- Speak very slowly
Correct answer: Face the resident and speak clearly at a normal pace
Face the resident, ensure good lighting, and speak clearly — shouting distorts speech.
Face the resident so they can see your lips and facial expressions. Speak clearly at a normal pace and volume. Reduce background noise. Shouting actually distorts speech and makes it harder to understand. Use gestures and written communication as needed.
Question 5: Confusion in an elderly resident should be:
- Considered normal aging
- Reported to the nurse as it may indicate illness (Correct answer)
- Ignored unless it persists for days
- Treated by the CNA with medications
Correct answer: Reported to the nurse as it may indicate illness
New or sudden confusion is NOT normal aging and may indicate infection, medication issues, or other problems.
While mild memory changes are normal with aging, sudden confusion (delirium) is a medical emergency that may indicate UTI, medication reaction, dehydration, stroke, or other serious conditions. Report any sudden mental status changes immediately.
Question 6: Skin changes associated with aging include:
- Thicker, more resilient skin
- Thinner skin with less elasticity and slower healing (Correct answer)
- Increased oil production
- Better wound healing
Correct answer: Thinner skin with less elasticity and slower healing
Aging skin becomes thinner, drier, less elastic, and heals more slowly.
Aging skin loses subcutaneous fat, collagen, and elasticity. It becomes thinner, drier, and more fragile, bruising easily and healing slowly. This increases risk for pressure injuries, skin tears, and infections. Moisturizing and gentle handling are essential.
CNA Aging Process 2
A normal change of aging in the cardiovascular system is: